Chelsea vs PSG: Maresca’s Men Eye Historic Upset in Club World Cup Final
On the eve of the FIFA Club World Cup final, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca delivered a calm but confident message: “We’re here to try to win.” Facing what he calls “probably the best team in the world,” Maresca made it clear that Chelsea are not just along for the ride against European champions Paris Saint-Germain. They are in New Jersey to finish the job.
As Chelsea prepares to take on Kylian Mbappé and PSG at MetLife Stadium, the story isn’t just about a final. It’s about a club reclaiming its identity, rebuilding from uncertainty, and suddenly looking like European contenders again.
PSG Are Favourites, But Chelsea Are Unfazed
Maresca Acknowledges PSG’s Dominance — But Refuses to Concede
In his press briefing ahead of Sunday’s final, Maresca didn’t shy away from praising the French giants.
“For sure they are a top team in Europe and probably in this moment the best team in the world,” he said.
But he also made it clear: the game hasn’t been played yet, and knockout football offers surprises.
“Every game can be different. We have maximum respect for them. I really enjoy watching them — but at the same time we are here to do our best and try to win the final.”
PSG enters the final fresh off a dominant Champions League run, while Chelsea’s route to the final has been harder fought, including wins over Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense — a South American gauntlet many European clubs have failed to run in previous editions.
Chelsea’s Revival: From Meme to Machine
“Now They Talk About Football, Not Just Money” — Maresca Reflects on Club Culture Shift
When Maresca took over from Leicester City in 2024, Chelsea were still burdened by the remnants of a bloated squad and headlines more about spending than structure. A year later, the club has Champions League qualification, a UEFA Conference League trophy, and now a Club World Cup final.
“Exactly one year ago nobody was talking about Chelsea in football terms — it was all about big money and big squads,” Maresca said.
“Now everyone is talking about Chelsea, the way we play, the way we win games. That’s the biggest achievement.”
The Italian tactician has injected tactical clarity and cultural focus into a side once written off as a cautionary tale. Chelsea’s high-pressing, possession-heavy football under Maresca has impressed pundits and critics alike.
Injury Worries and Transfer Twists Ahead of the Final
Moisés Caicedo Could Be Fit, But Madueke Is Arsenal-Bound
As Chelsea prepares for its toughest test yet, squad fitness remains a point of concern. Maresca expressed optimism about the availability of Moisés Caicedo, who limped off near the end of the semi-final against Fluminense with an ankle knock.
“We are optimistic. Moises is improving,” Maresca said. “We’ll assess him closer to the game, but there’s a chance he can play.”
One player who won’t feature is winger Noni Madueke. As of Friday evening, the England international was on the verge of completing a transfer to Premier League rivals Arsenal.
“Noni is in contact with a new club,” Maresca confirmed. “If players want to leave, it’s difficult for the club and for the manager. But if he is happy, we are happy.”
The impending departure may sting, but it also reflects the clarity of Chelsea’s new project — one in which commitment and fit outweigh raw potential.
Legacy at Stake: First-Ever Expanded Club World Cup Title
Beyond the Trophy — A Statement of Intent to Europe
Sunday’s clash is more than just a final — it’s a legacy-defining opportunity. The 2025 edition marks the first expanded Club World Cup format, and whoever wins at MetLife Stadium will enter history books with asterisks of prestige.
For Chelsea, it’s a statement to both investors and fans: that the rebuild is not just working — it’s winning. For PSG, it’s another chapter in their bid to become an undisputed global powerhouse beyond Ligue 1 dominance.
But for Maresca, the message is simpler.
“We’re here to try to win.”
The outcome may hinge on Mbappé’s brilliance, or Caicedo’s fitness, or simply who seizes the big moment. But what’s certain is that Chelsea’s journey from circus to contender has already flipped the narrative.
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